Here’s the translation into American English:
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The topic of menstruation has historically been linked to cisgender women, but a lesser-known reality is that trans men and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth also experience this cycle. A recent study reveals that 23% of trans men avoid visiting healthcare centers due to the fear of not receiving appropriate care, and more than half have experienced microaggressions from medical staff. Despite undergoing hormone treatments, up to one-third of them still ovulate or face irregular bleeding.
The company INTIMINA aims to shed light on these experiences and the dysphoria that can accompany the menstrual cycle in trans men and non-binary individuals, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach in healthcare. For many of these individuals, menstruating becomes not only a physical experience but also an emotional burden that can generate anxiety and distress. Managing menstrual products designed for cis women, using female bathrooms, and the need to explain their situation at pharmacies are barriers that complicate their daily lives.
Actor and educator Ethan Alcaraz shares his experience, noting that before starting hormone therapy, menstruation was a source of both physical and emotional pain. Although the bleeding stopped with treatment, memories associated with menstrual products still cause him distress. Meanwhile, singer and activist Hugo Marlo has described menstruation as a painful and shameful process, a constant reminder of a femininity he has never desired.
From the field of gynecology, Dr. Mercedes Herrero warns that while testosterone often eliminates menstruation, some trans men continue to ovulate or experience irregular spotting. This emotional impact can be significant, related to an identity they do not wish to embrace, emphasizing the urgency of adapting medical care to meet the needs of these populations.
Additionally, it is suggested that menstrual product brands play a fundamental role in including diverse realities. Alcaraz mentions that marketing is primarily aimed at cisgender women, limiting the representation of trans men and non-binary individuals. Promoting alternatives like period underwear or products that do not require vaginal insertion could be a more empathetic and suitable solution for many.
In summary, addressing menstruation from an inclusive perspective could help demystify a topic that has been considered taboo. This would foster a more welcoming and understanding environment for trans and non-binary individuals facing these challenges.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
